title: Economic burden of bacteremic melioidosis in eastern and northeastern, Thailand.
abstract: Melioidosis is among the most common causes of septicemia in Thailand, but data on economic burden are limited. We describe the economic impact of bacteremic melioidosis hospitalizations in two Thailand provinces during 2006-2008. Costs are presented in US dollars ($1 = 30.49 Thai Baht). The average annual incidence of bacteremic melioidosis cases per 100,000 persons in Sa Kaeo and Nakhon Phanom was 4.6 and 14.4, respectively. The annual cost of bacteremic melioidosis hospitalizations from the societal perspective, including direct and indirect costs, was $152,159 in Sa Kaeo and $465,303 in Nakhon Phanom. The average cost per fatal case was $14,182 and $14,858 in Sa Kaeo and Nakhon Phanom, respectively. In addition to the high morbidity and mortality, the substantial economic burden of melioidosis further supports the need for investments to identify improved prevention and control strategies for melioidosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. SaithipB@th.cdc.gov
authors.forename: Saithip
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhengsri
authors.forename: Jongkol
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lertiendumrong
authors.forename: Henry C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Baggett
authors.forename: Somsak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thamthitiwat
authors.forename: Wirongrong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chierakul
authors.forename: Kanjana
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tisayaticom
authors.forename: Kittisak
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tanwisaid
authors.forename: Somrak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chantra
authors.forename: Jaranit
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kaewkungwal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008554:Melioidosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D008875:Middle Aged; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult